1 Corinthians 6:18

KJV

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

KJV (with Strong's)

Flee {G5343} fornication {G4202}. Every {G3956} sin {G265} that {G3739}{G1437} a man {G444} doeth {G4160} is {G2076} without {G1622} the body {G4983}; but {G1161} he that committeth fornication {G4203} sinneth {G264} against {G1519} his own {G2398} body {G4983}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Run from sexual immorality! Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the fornicator sins against his own body.

Berean Standard Bible

Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.

American Standard Version

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul issues a forceful and direct command to the Corinthian believers, urging them to actively "flee fornication." This verse highlights the uniquely destructive nature of sexual immorality, asserting that while other sins may be committed externally, engaging in fornication constitutes a profound violation "against his own body." Paul's instruction underscores the sanctity of the human body and its intrinsic connection to one's spiritual identity, setting the stage for his subsequent teaching on the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and a member of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Paul's exhortation in [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Fornication") is strategically placed within a broader argument against various forms of unholy conduct prevalent in the Corinthian church. In the preceding verses of [1 Corinthians 6](/1_corinthians/6 "1 Corinthians 6 - Lawsuits and Immorality"), Paul addresses issues such as believers suing each other in pagan courts ([1 Corinthians 6:1-8](/1_corinthians/6-1-8 "1 Corinthians 6:1-8 - Lawsuits Among Believers")) and associating with immoral individuals. He then lists a catalogue of sins, including "fornicators" and "adulterers," warning that those who practice such things "shall not inherit the kingdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 6:9-10](/1_corinthians/6-9-10 "1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - Inheriting the Kingdom of God")). The immediate context leading up to verse 18 involves Paul's discussion of the body's purpose: "The body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body" ([1 Corinthians 6:13](/1_corinthians/6-13 "1 Corinthians 6:13 - The Body is for the Lord")). This sets the theological foundation for his emphatic command to flee sexual sin, culminating in his powerful declaration that the believer's body is a "temple of the Holy Ghost" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) and bought with a price ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Bought with a Price")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient city of Corinth was notorious throughout the Greco-Roman world for its pervasive sexual immorality. As a bustling port city, it was a hub of trade, wealth, and diverse cultures, but also a center of pagan worship, including the temple of Aphrodite, where sacred prostitution was practiced. The Greek verb *korinthiazomai* (to Corinthianize) was even coined to mean "to practice fornication." This cultural backdrop meant that sexual permissiveness was not only common but often integrated into religious and social life. Many new converts in the Corinthian church would have come directly out of this pagan environment, bringing with them deeply ingrained habits and understandings of sexuality that were antithetical to Christian holiness. Paul's strong admonition to "flee fornication" was therefore not merely a general moral teaching but a direct, urgent, and counter-cultural call to radical purity, essential for distinguishing the Christian community from its surrounding pagan society.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Corinthians and Pauline theology. Firstly, it emphasizes the theme of **Radical Purity and Separation**, urging believers to not merely resist but to actively and decisively "flee" sexual sin, highlighting its severe spiritual consequences and the need for a distinct Christian lifestyle in a corrupt world. Secondly, it introduces the theme of **The Unique Nature of Sexual Sin**, asserting that it uniquely violates "his own body," unlike other sins. This distinction underscores that sexual sin corrupts the very vessel intended for God's glory and union with Christ, impacting the individual's physical and spiritual being in a profound way. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **The Sanctity and Ownership of the Body**, laying the groundwork for Paul's subsequent teaching that the believer's body is "for the Lord" ([1 Corinthians 6:13](/1_corinthians/6-13 "1 Corinthians 6:13 - The Body is for the Lord")), a "member of Christ" ([1 Corinthians 6:15](/1_corinthians/6-15 "1 Corinthians 6:15 - Your Bodies are Members of Christ")), and ultimately a "temple of the Holy Ghost" ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), purchased by God ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Bought with a Price")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Flee (Greek, _pheúgō'_):** This primary verb means "to run away" (literally or figuratively), "to shun," or "to vanish." Paul's use of this imperative is not merely a suggestion to avoid temptation but a command for immediate, decisive, and active escape from situations, thoughts, or opportunities that could lead to sexual sin. It implies a recognition of the danger and a swift, intentional removal from its presence, rather than attempting to stand and fight the temptation head-on in a vulnerable position.
* **Fornication (Greek, _porneía'_):** Derived from *porneúō* (to act the harlot), *porneía* is a broad term encompassing all forms of unlawful sexual activity. This includes prostitution, adultery, premarital sex, incest, homosexuality, and any sexual expression outside the bounds of a monogamous, heterosexual marriage as defined by biblical teaching. Figuratively, it can also refer to idolatry, highlighting the spiritual infidelity inherent in unholy practices. Paul uses this comprehensive term to cover the vast array of sexual sins prevalent in Corinth and to emphasize the complete prohibition against them for believers.
* **Body (Greek, _sōma'_):** From *sōzō* (to save), *sōma* refers to the body as a sound whole, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. In this context, it refers to the physical human body, but with profound theological implications. Paul is not merely speaking of a physical shell, but the integrated person, emphasizing that sexual sin uniquely involves and defiles the physical person in a way that other sins (e.g., lying, coveting) do not directly or primarily. This paves the way for his argument about the body's sacredness as a temple of the Holy Spirit and a member of Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Flee fornication."**: This is a direct, urgent, and absolute command in the present active imperative, indicating a continuous and decisive action. Paul does not say "resist" or "avoid," but "flee," implying that sexual temptation is so potent and dangerous that the only safe course of action is to run away from it, removing oneself from its sphere of influence entirely. This emphasizes proactive spiritual discipline.
* **"Every sin that a man doeth is without the body;":** This clause presents a stark contrast. Paul asserts that other sins, such as lying, stealing, or coveting, are committed "outside" or "without" the body in the sense that their primary impact or locus of action is not the physical body itself, even though they may originate from within and affect the whole person. While all sin has consequences for the entire being, their essence does not involve the physical body in the same direct, violating manner as sexual sin.
* **"but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body."**: The conjunction "but" (G1161, *dé*) introduces a strong antithesis. Paul argues that fornication is uniquely self-violating. Unlike other sins, sexual immorality directly involves and defiles the physical body, which, for the believer, is a sacred vessel, a member of Christ, and a temple of the Holy Spirit. This sin corrupts the very instrument intended for holiness and union with God, thus constituting a direct offense against one's own self and, by extension, against God who created and indwells that body.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent **Literary Devices** in this verse to underscore his message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, where he sharply differentiates fornication from "every sin that a man doeth." This rhetorical strategy highlights the unique and severe nature of sexual immorality. While all sin is serious, Paul uses this contrast to emphasize that *porneia* has a distinct, self-violating quality that sets it apart. Furthermore, the imperative "Flee" serves as a powerful instance of **Hyperbole** and **Emphasis**. While it's a literal command, its starkness and urgency are designed to shock and impress upon the readers the extreme danger and defiling nature of this particular sin, demanding an immediate and absolute response, rather than a casual resistance. The repetition of "body" (G4983, *sōma*) throughout this passage (including verses 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20) also serves as a form of **Repetition** or **Anaphora** (though not strictly at the beginning of clauses), drawing constant attention to the physical self as the locus of this unique sin and the subject of God's redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's teaching in [1 Corinthians 6:18](/1_corinthians/6-18 "1 Corinthians 6:18 - Flee Fornication") is deeply rooted in biblical theology, particularly concerning the sanctity of the human body and the call to holiness. God created humanity, body and soul, in His image, and both aspects are intended for His glory. Sexual union, as designed by God, is meant to be a sacred expression of covenant within marriage, reflecting the unity and intimacy of Christ and the Church. Therefore, any sexual activity outside of this divine design is a distortion of God's good creation and a violation of His holy standards. Paul's assertion that fornication sins "against his own body" underscores the profound theological truth that our bodies are not our own to do with as we please, but belong to God, who will ultimately resurrect and glorify them. This understanding elevates sexual purity from a mere moral rule to a fundamental aspect of worship and stewardship of the self, in anticipation of future glorification.

* [1 Corinthians 7:2](/1_corinthians/7-2 "Marriage as a Safeguard Against Fornication")
* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Marriage is Honorable")
* [Ephesians 5:3](/ephesians/5-3 "Immorality Not to Be Named Among Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's command to "flee fornication" remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a vital call to proactive spiritual vigilance in a world saturated with sexual temptation. It challenges us to move beyond passive resistance and to actively remove ourselves from situations, media, relationships, or thought patterns that could lead to sexual sin. This involves setting clear boundaries, cultivating accountability, and intentionally filling our minds with what is pure and honorable. The unique emphasis on sinning "against his own body" compels us to view our physical selves not merely as instruments for pleasure or utility, but as sacred vessels, intrinsically linked to our spiritual identity and destiny in Christ. Living out this truth means honoring God with our bodies in every aspect of life, recognizing that sexual purity is not just about avoiding sin, but about embracing our identity as temples of the Holy Spirit and members of Christ, thereby glorifying God in our bodies and spirits, which are His.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific temptations or situations do I need to "flee" in my life to honor God with my body?**
* **How does understanding my body as belonging to God, and being a temple of the Holy Spirit, change my perspective on sexual purity?**
* **In what ways might I be subtly or overtly sinning "against my own body" through my choices, and what steps can I take to align my actions with God's design?**
* **What practical safeguards or accountability measures can I put in place to proactively guard against sexual immorality?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by 'Every sin that a man doeth is without the body' if all sin originates from within?**

Answer: Paul's statement here is not meant to be a universal theological declaration that other sins have no physical consequences or do not originate from the heart (as Jesus taught in [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Defiles a Person")). Rather, he is highlighting a unique characteristic of sexual sin. Most sins, like lying, coveting, or anger, are primarily acts of the mind, will, or speech, even if they have external manifestations or consequences. Their primary locus is not the physical body itself as the instrument of the sin. However, fornication and other sexual sins inherently involve the physical body in the act itself, defiling it in a direct and profound way. In the context of [1 Corinthians 6](/1_corinthians/6 "1 Corinthians 6 - Lawsuits and Immorality"), Paul is arguing that the body, which is destined for resurrection and is a temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), is uniquely violated and desecrated by sexual immorality. It's a sin that directly abuses the body's intended purpose and sacredness, making it distinct from other sins that might be committed "outside" this direct physical violation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The imperative to "flee fornication" finds its ultimate motivation and empowerment in Christ. For the believer, purity is not merely a moral code but a response to the profound reality of our union with Christ. Paul reminds the Corinthians that their "bodies are the members of Christ" ([1 Corinthians 6:15](/1_corinthians/6-15 "1 Corinthians 6:15 - Your Bodies are Members of Christ")) and that "he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit" ([1 Corinthians 6:17](/1_corinthians/6-17 "1 Corinthians 6:17 - Joined to the Lord")). To commit fornication, then, is to take the very members of Christ and make them members of a harlot, an unthinkable desecration of the sacred union forged by His sacrifice. Furthermore, our bodies have been "bought with a price" ([1 Corinthians 6:20](/1_corinthians/6-20 "1 Corinthians 6:20 - Bought with a Price"))—the precious blood of Jesus Christ ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by the Blood of Christ")). This redemption means we are no longer our own; our bodies belong to Him. Therefore, the call to purity is a call to honor Christ with our bodies, recognizing them as dwelling places for the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")) who empowers us to live in holiness. Our future hope, the resurrection and glorification of our bodies ([Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - Resurrection by the Spirit")), further underscores the sanctity of our physical selves, motivating us to live in a manner worthy of the one who has redeemed us and promises our full transformation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 2:11

Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

1 Thessalonians 4:3

For this is the will of God, [even] your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

Colossians 3:5

¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Romans 6:12

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Romans 6:13

Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.

2 Timothy 2:22

¶ Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.